Tire chain assembly

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a tire chain design and construction comprising a plurality of rectangular links. Each link is pivotally connected to adjacent links forming a checkerboard type pattern of alternate links and spaces, the number of links being sufficient to extend substantially around the circumference of the tire and at least the width of the tire tread. The pivotal connections between the links comprise bushing means associated with each pivotal connection such that the bushing means define distinct rows, each bushing means having a hole therethrough in axial alignment with the holes of the other bushing means in its row. A cable extends through the holes in each row of bushings, and terminal means are fastened to the ends of each of the cables for holding the links in said pattern. Means are also provided for securing the chain assembly around the tire.

United States Patent 1191 Guethle 1 1 Oct. 2, 1973 TIRE CHAIN ASSEMBLY[76] lnventor: Clyde A. Guethle, 2339 Dawes, St.

Louis, Mo. 63114 221 Filed: Nov.8, 1971 211 Appl.No.: 196,565

[52] US. Cl ..152/239, 152/171, 152/243 [51] Int. Cl. B60c 27/20 [58]Field of Search 152/171, 232, 239, 152/243 [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 1,324,395 12/1919 Griffin 152/239 2,934.125 4/1960 Erving1 1 152/239 1,267,269 5/1918 Rettell 152/171 2,420 758 5/1947 Owings152/239 Primary Examiner.lames B. Marbert Attorney-Rogers, Ezell, Eilers& Robbins [57] ABSTRACT This invention relates to a tire chain designand construction comprising a plurality of rectangular links. Each linkis pivotally connected to adjacent links forming a checkerboard typepattern of alternate links and spaces, the number of links beingsufficient to extend substantially around the circumference of the tireand at least the width of the tire tread. The pivotal connectionsbetween the links comprise bushing means associated with each pivotalconnection such that the bushing means define distinct rows, eachbushing means having a hole therethrough in axial alignment with theholes of the other bushing means in its row. A cable extends through theholes in each row of bushings, and terminal means are fastened to theends of each of the cables for holding the links in said pattern. Meansare also provided for securing the chain assembly around the tire.

14 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures 6V as h! W e V a; 8/ I TIRE CHAIN ASSEMBLYSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a novel tire chainconstruction and design and particularly to one that providesexceptional stopping capability on ice as well as snow.

One of the problems with tire chain designs in general is theirinability to provide good stopping capability on ice. Either the chainsare not designed to provide a sufficient bite into the ice, or the chainsections are spaced so far apart that they slip out from under the tirewhen the brakes are applied. Another problem with prior art tire chainsis the difficulty of repair or replacement of worn or broken parts. Suchrepairs are often a major project and in many cases the entire tirechain assembly must be discarded for a new one. Since repairs must oftenbe made under unfavorable weather conditions, it is important that theycan be made easily and quickly requiring a minimum of tools.

Hence, it is one of the primary objects of this invention to provide anovel tire chain design that provides exceptional stopping capability onice as well as snow, as well as providing exceptional driving tractionon ice and snow.

Another primary object of this invention is to provide a novel tirechain design wherein worn or broken parts can be easily replaced orrepaired.

The tire chain design of this invention generally includes a pluralityof rectangular steel links arranged in rows such that the ends of thelinks in one row are positioned between the opposite ends of the linksin an adjacent row to give a generally checkerboard design. Bushings arelocated between the links, the bushings having holes through whichcables extend to hold the links in position. The cables are terminatedin eyelets through which other cables are threaded. Means are providedfor drawing these other cables tight around the inner and outer walls ofthe tire and for connecting the ends of the chain assembly together tosecure the chain assembly around the tire.

The eyelet assemblies and various other connecting devices used in thisinvention can be assembled and disassembled with conventional hand toolsmaking disassembly of the tire chain and replacement of any of its partsrelatively easy. This invention also includes a novel cable splicingdevice for use should any of the cables break.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of thetire chain assembly of this invention shown mounted on a vehicle tire;

FIG. 2 is a partial broken plan view of the tire chain assembly of thisinvention;

FIG. 3 is a view in section take along the line 3--3 of FIG. I;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view in section taken along the line 4-4 of FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is a view in section taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view in section taken along the line 6--6 of FIG.5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view in section taken along the line 77 of FIG. 2;and

FIG. 8 is an exploded view with parts in section of a cable splicingdevice that can be used with this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the drawings there is shown atire chain assembly 10 of this invention with FIG. 1 showing theassembly mounted to a vehicle tire 12. The chain assembly 10 includes aplurality of rectangular links 14 each having side walls 15 and 16 andend walls 17 and 18, and assembled in a checkerboard pattern as bestshown in FIG. 2 with the end walls 18 of one row of links beingpositioned between the end walls 17 of adjacent rows of links. At eachend of each side wall 15 and 16 of each link 14 is an aperture 20 (FIG.5) for receiving a bushing 22 of rubber or suitable material. Eachbushing has a large cylindrical portion 24 that fits between each link14, small cylindrical portions 26 and 28 that extend from each side ofthe portion 24 and fit into the apertures 20, and a hole 29 extendingaxially therethrough.

'To even the rows of links at the sides of the chain assembly 10, everyother row of links terminates in a bar 34 which also has apertures ateach of its ends equally spaced with the apertures 20 in the sides 15and 16 of the links 14 for receiving bushings 22. The links 14 and bars34 are preferably of rectangular cross section to provide a better biteinto ice and snow and made of tempered steel for strength.

The links 14 and bars 34 are held in the relative positions shown inFIG. 2 by a series of cables 38 that extend through the apertures 29 ofeach row of bushings 22. The cables 38 are terminated at each of theirends with eyelet assemblies 40.

Referring primarily to FIG. 5, each eyelet assembly 40 has a sleeve 42having an internally threaded portion 44 and a tapered end portion 46. Apair of wedge members 48 and 49 having inner serrated surfaces 50 and 51and flat top surfaces 52 and 53, respectively, seat within the taperedportion 46. A head portion 54 formed in an eyelet 55 has a threadedshank 56 extending therefrom for insertion into the threaded portion 44of the sleeve 42. The end of the threaded shank 56 is flat to engage theflat surface 52 and 53 of the wedges 48 and 49.

To attach an eyelet assembly 40 to a cable 38, the end of the cable isplaced between the serrated surfaces 50 and 51 of the wedges 48 and 49inside the sleeve 42 with the cable extending through the end of thetapered portion 46. The head 54 is then screwed into the sleeve 42forcing the wedges into the tapered portion 46 such that the serratedsurfaces 50 and 51 tightly engage the cable 38. In this way the eyeletassemblies 40 are firmly secured at the ends of the cables 38 to holdthe links and bars in the pattern of FIG. 2.

To connect the ends of the chain assembly 10 a series of connectingdevices 60 and 62 are used, each having a pair of pivotal arms 63 and 64spaced apart or open at one end, and together or closed at the other.The spaced end of the arms 63 and 64 have apertures 65 and 66,respectively, (FIG. 5) for receiving the cylindrical portions 28 and 26of the bushings 22. The open end of the device 60 is sufficiently wideto straddle a spacer element 67 located between links at each end of thechain assembly, and the open end of the device 62 is sufficiently wideto straddle the width of a link 14 as best shown in FIG. 2. Bushings 22are located between the devices 60 and 62 and their adjacent links 14such that each arm 63 and 64 of the devices 60 and 62 is allowed topivot about a-bushing. The closed ends of these devices are formed inhooks with the closed end of one of the arms, such as the arm 63, formedin an upwardly turned hook 68, and the closed end of the other arm, suchas the arm 64, formed in a downwardly turned hook 69 (see FIGS. 4 and7).

To hold the chain assembly 10 around the tire 12, a cable 70, with oneend connected as at 72 to the pivotal end 74 of a cable connectingdevice 76 located at one side of the chain assembly 10, is threadedthrough each of the eyelets on that same side of the chain assembly,continuously through the hook end 78 of the connector 76, alternatelythrough each of the hook ends of the devices and 62, and through thehook end 78 of another connecting device 79 identical to the device 76and located at the other side of the chain assembly 10. The other end ofthe cable is connected as at 80 to one end 81 of a load binder 82. Theconnecting devices 76 and 79 are basically similar to the devices 60 and62 except that their arms are straight and connected together at thepivotal ends 74.

Another cable 86 has one end connected as at 88 to the pivotal end 74 ofthe connecting device 79, and extends through each of the eyelets 40 onthat same side of the chain assembly 10 with its other end fastened to ahook assembly 92. The hook assembly 92 is made in substantially the samemanner as the eyelet assembly 40 except that the head of the hookassembly 92 is formed in a hook 94 rather than an eyelet. The hook 94engages the other end 95 of the load binder 82. The load binder 82 has alever 96 for drawing its ends 81 and 95 together. A releasable catch 97locks the lever in place.

In FIG. 8 there is shown a cable splicer for use should one of thecables 70 or 86 break. The construction of the splicer 100 is verysimilar to that of the eyelet assembly 40. It includes two sleeves 101and 102, each having a tapered portion 104 and an internally threadedportion 106, the outer surface of which is preferably hexagon shaped. Apair of wedges 107 and 108 with inner serrated surfaces 109 and 110 andtop serrated surfaces 111 and 112 are seated within the tapered portions104 of each of the sleeves. A bolt 116 has a hexagon head portion 118and two oppositely extending threaded shank portions 120 and 121 whichthread into the threaded portions 106 of the sleeves 101 and 102,respectively. The shank portions 120 and 121 have serrated end surfaces124 and 125 that engage the top serrated surfaces 111 and 112 of thewedges 107 and 108.

To operate the cable splicer 100, one severed end of the cable to bespliced such as, for example, the cable 86, is placed between the innerserrated surfaces 109 and 110 of the wedges 107 and 108 within thetapered portion 104 of the sleeve 101, and the other end of the severedcable is placed between the serrated surfaces 109 and 110 of the wedges107 and 108 within the tapered portion 104 of the sleeve 102. Next, theshank 120 is threaded into the portion 106 of the sleeve 101 and theshank 121 is threaded into the portion 106 of the sleeve 102.Eventually, the serrated surfaces 124 and 125 will engage the serratedsurfaces 111 and 112 of the wedges I07 and 108 to lock the cable 86,wedges 107 and 108, and the bolt 116 in rotating engagement. To tightenthe cable splicer securely, the head 118 of the bolt 116 is held inplace and the sleeves 101 and 102 turned to force the wedges tightlyinto the tapered ends 104. The serrated surfaces 109 and 110 hold theends of the cable firmly.

OPERATION AND MOUNTING To mount the tire chain assembly 10 to a tire,the chain is placed around the tire as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 withthe bushings 22 allowing the chain to bend around the tire walls. Next,the cable 70 is placed within the hook ends of the connecting devices76, 60, and 62 by first pivoting the arms of these connecting devices toopen the hook ends, placing the cable within the hooks, and then closingthe arms to secure the cable. The hook assembly 92 is hooked into theend of the load binder 82, and the lever arm 96 of the load binder 82closed and locked with the catch 97 to pull each of the cables 70 and 86tight. In this manner the chain assembly 10 is tightened around thetire.

The links 14, being preferably rectangular in shape, provide edges andcorners that bite into ice or snow to greatly increase the stoppingcapabilities and driving traction of the vehicle in these kinds of roadconditions. Should any portion of the chain assembly break or wear out,it is a reasonably simple task to replace the worn or broken part withonly conventional hand tools. Specifically, removal of appropriateeyelet assemblies 40 allows removal of appropriate cables 38 and hencere placement of nearly any part of the chain assembly. Also, if a breakshould occur in either the cable 70 or 86, it can be easily mended byuse of the cable splicer 100.

Various changes and modifications may be made in this invention, as willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes andmodifications are within the scope and teaching of this invention asdefined by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is: v

1. A tire chain assembly comprising a plurality of rectangular links,means for pivotally connecting each link to adjacent links forming acheckerboard type pattern of alternate links and spaces, the number oflinks being sufficient to extend substantially around the circumferenceof the tire and at least the width of the tire tread, the pivotallyconnecting means including bushing means between each connection suchthat the bushing means define distinct rows, each bushing means having ahole therethrough in axial alignment with the holes of the other bushingmeans in its row, a first cable extending through the holes in each rowof bushings, terminal means fastened to the ends of the first cables forholding the links in said pattern and said relative pivotal engagement,and means for securing the chain assembly around the tire.

2. The tire chain assembly of claim 1 wherein the links are arrangedsuch that the first cables extend across the width and beyond the edgesof the tire tread surface, and the means for securing the chain assemblyaround the tire includes means for securing the ends of the first cablesagainst the inner and outer walls of the tire.

3. The chain assembly of claim 2 wherein the terminal means furthercomprises eyelet assemblies mounted at the ends of each first cable, andthe last-named securing means includes an inner cable extending throughthe eyelet assemblies nearest the inner wall of the tire, an outer cableextending through the eyelet assemblies nearest the outer wall of thetire, and means for drawing the inner and outer cables against the innerand outer walls, respectively, of the tire.

4. The chain assembly of claim 2 including terminating bars at the sidesof the chain assembly, which bars are pivotally connected to adjacentlinks to close the spaces therebetween, and spacer elements mounted atthe ends of the chain assembly between adjacent links to close off thespaces therebetween.

5. The chain assembly of claim 4 including means for connecting the endsof the chain assembly together, which end connecting means comprises aplurality of connecting devices, each pivotally connected at one endacross the end of a link or spacer element located at an end of thechain assembly, each connecting device having opposing hooks at itsother end, means for threading the inner or outer cables alternatelythrough the hooks of the connecting devices located at each end of thecable assembly, and means for drawing this last-named cable tight,thereby tightening the chain assembly around the tire.

6. The chain assembly of claim 1 wherein the terminal means comprises asleeve having an internally threaded portion and a tapered portion, aplurality of wedges that seat within the tapered portion having facingserrated surfaces which engage an end of a first cable, and a headportion having a threaded shank which extends into the internallythreaded portion of the sleeve, such that the end of the shank forcesthe wedges into the tapered portion as the shank is screwed into thesleeve, thereby forcing the wedges together to tightly engage the end ofthe cable.

7. A cable connector comprising at least one sleeve having an internallythreaded cylindrical portion and a tapered portion, a plurality ofwedges seated within the tapered portion having facing serrated surfaceswhich engage the end of a cable, and a head member having at least onethreaded shank which extends into the internally threaded portion of thesleeve such that the end of the shank forces the wedges into the taperedportion as the shank is screwed into the sleeve, thereby forcing thewedges together to tightly engage the end of the cable.

8. The cable connector of claim 7 wherein the head member is formed inan eyelet.

9. The cable connector of claim 7 wherein the head member is formed in ahook.

10. The cable connector of claim 7 including a second sleeve having aninternally threaded portion pitched opposite to that of the first sleeveand a tapered portion, a second plurality of wedges that seat within thetapered portion of the second sleeve, the second plurality of wedgeshaving facing serrated surfaces which engage another cable end, the headmember having a second threaded shank pitched opposite to the threads ofthe first shank which extends into the internally threaded portion ofthe second sleeve, such that the end of the second shank forces thesecond plurality of wedges into the tapered portion of the second sleeveas the second shank is screwed into the second sleeve, thereby forcingthe second plurality of wedges together to tightly engage the othercable end.

11. The cable connector of claim 10 wherein the tops of the wedges'andthe ends of the shanks are serrated,

whereby when the shanks engage the tops of the wedges, the head member,wedges, and cable ends lock in rotating engagement with respect to thesleeves.

12. A tire chain assembly comprising a plurality of links, means forpivotally connecting each link to adjacent links forming acheckerboard-type pattern of alternate links and spaces, the number oflinks being sufficient to extend substantially around the circumferenceof the tire and at least the width of the tire tread, the pivotallyconnecting means including holes through each link such that the holesdefine distinct rows, the holes in each row being in axial alignment, afirst flexible cable extending through the holes in each row of holes,terminal means at the ends of the first cables for holding the links insaid pattern and said relative pivotal engagement, and means forsecuring the chain assembly around the tire.

13. The tire chain assembly of claim 12 wherein the links arerectangular.

14. The tire chain assembly of claim 13 wherein the links are open.

1. A tire chain assembly comprising a plurality of rectangular links,means for pivotally connecting each link to adjacent links forming acheckerboard type pattern of alternate links and spaces, the number oflinks being sufficient to extend substantially around the circumferenceof the tire and at least the width of the tire tread, the pivotallyconnecting means including bushing means between each connection suchthat the bushing means define distinct rows, each bushing means having ahole therethrough in axial alignment with the holes of the other bushingmeans in its row, a first cable extending through the holes in each rowof bushings, terminal means fastened to the ends of the first cables forholding the links in said pattern and said relative pivotal engagement,and means for securing the chain assembly around the tire.
 2. The tirechain assembly of claim 1 wherein the links are arranged such that thefirst cables extend across the width and beyond the edges of the tiretread surface, and the means for securing the chain assembly around thetire includes means for securing the ends of the first cables againstthe inner and outer walls of the tire.
 3. The chain assembly of claim 2wherein the terminal means further comprises eyelet assemblies mountedat the ends of each first cable, and the last-named securing meansincludes an inner cable extending through the eyelet assemblies nearestthe inner wall of the tire, an outer cable extending through the eyeletassemblies nearest the outer wall of the tire, and means for drawing theinner and outer cables against the inner and outer walls, respectively,of the tire.
 4. The chain assembly of claim 2 including terminating barsat the sides of the chain assembly, which bars are pivotally connectedto adjacent links to close the spaces therebetween, and spacer elementsmounted at the ends of the chain assembly between adjacent links toclose off the spaces therebetween.
 5. The chain assembly of claim 4including means for connecting the ends of the chain assembly together,which end connecting means comprises a plurality of connecting devices,each pivotally connected at one end across the end of a link or spacerelement located at an end of the chain assembly, each connecting devicehaving opposing hooks at its other end, means for threading the inner orouter cables alternately through the hooks of the connecting deviceslocated at each end of the cable assembly, and means for drawing thislast-named cable tight, thereby tightening the chain assembly around thetire.
 6. The chain assembly of claim 1 wherein the terminal meanscomprises a sleeve having an internally threaded portion and a taperedportion, a plurality of wedges that seat within the tapered portionhaving facing serrated surfaces which engage an end of a first cable,and a head portion having a threaded shank which extends into theinternally threaded portion of the sleeve, such that the end of theshank forces the wedges into the tapered portion as the shank is screwedinto the sleeve, thereby forcing the wedges together to tightly engagethe end of the cable.
 7. A cable connector comprising at least onesleeve having an internally threaded cylindrical portion and a taperedportion, a plurality of wedges seated within the tapered portion havingfacing serrated surfaces which engage the end of a cable, and a headmember having at least one threaded shank which extends into theinternally threaded portion of the sleeve such that the end of the shankforces the wedges into the tapered portion as the shank is screwed intothe sleeve, thereby forcing the wedges together to tightly engage theend of the cable.
 8. The cable connector of claim 7 wherein the headmember is formed in an eyelet.
 9. The cable connector of claim 7 whereinthe head member is formed in a hook.
 10. The cable connector of claim 7including a second sleeve having an internally threaded portion pitchedopposite to that of the first sleeve and a tapered portion, a secondplurality of wedges that seat within the tapered portion of the secondsleeve, the second plurality of wedges having facing serrated surfaceswhich engage another cable end, the head member having a second threadedshank pitched opposite to the threads of the first shank which extendsinto the internally threaded portion of the second sleeve, such that theend of the second shank forces the second plurality of wedges into thetapered portion of the second sleeve as the second shank is screwed intothe second sleeve, thereby forcing the second plurality of wedgestogether to tightly engage the other cable end.
 11. The cable connectorof claim 10 wherein the tops of the wedges and the ends of the shanksare serrated, whereby when the shanks engage the tops of the wedges, thehead member, wedges, and cable ends lock in rotating engagement withrespect to the sleeves.
 12. A tire chain assembly comprising a pluralityof links, means for pivotally connecting each link to adjacent linksforming a checkerboard-type pattern of alternate links and spaces, thenumber of links being sufficient to extend substantially around thecircumference of the tire and at least the width of the tire tread, thepivotally connecting means including holes through each link such thatthe holes define distinct rows, the holes in each row being in axialalignment, a first flexible cable extending through the holes in eachrow of holes, terminal means at the ends of the first cables for holdingthe links in said pattern and said relative pivotal engagement, andmeans for securing the chain assembly around the tire.
 13. The tirechain assembly of claim 12 wherein the links are rectangular.
 14. Thetire chain assembly of claim 13 wherein the links are open.